Bandra’s Gift to Bombay: How Bombay Meri Hai Became India’s First Indo-Pop Hit
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Bombay in the late 1960s was a city bursting with life and contradictions. The skyline was starting to rise, yet the streets were a chaotic symphony of rickshaws, handcarts, and the occasional Fiat Padmini. Its heartbeat was the steady hum of conversation in a dozen languages, punctuated by the aroma of freshly fried samosas.
Amidst the bustle was a thriving cultural undercurrent. Jazz clubs flourished, tucked away in colonial-era buildings where Bombay's elite came to sway to saxophones and sip gin. It was here, in places like Bandra Gymkhana, that Mina Kava and his band, The Music Makers, found their stage. Known for their electric performances, the band was made up of some of Bombay’s finest musicians, including pianist Toni Pinto, trumpet maestro Chic Chocolate, and saxophonist Norman Mobsby. But their most enduring legacy wouldn’t come from live gigs. It would come from a song that would become an anthem for the city.
Uma Pocha with the Spitfires
In 1969, HMV approached Mina Kava with a challenge: create a song that captured the spirit of Bombay. Kava, a Parsi musician who had composed several English songs, took up the task with his usual collaborator, his wife Naju, who penned the lyrics. What emerged was Bombay Meri Hai—a bilingual celebration of the city.
“Puri Bhaji, Bhelpuri, You Can Try and Tell / Idli Dosa, Garam Samosa, You Will Like Too Well / Come to Bombay, Come to Bombay, Bombay Meri Hai!” crooned Uma Pocha, whose lively voice embodied the city’s energy. With its catchy tune and relatable lyrics, the song painted a vivid picture of a city that never sleeps, where you could grab a quick snack at a street-side stall or lose yourself in its buzzing nightlife.
What makes Bombay Meri Hai special is the way it blends Western jazz instrumentation with an Indian soul. The song featured the spirited trumpet riffs of Chic Chocolate and the warm tones of Norman Mobsby’s saxophone, layered over lyrics that were equal parts playful and poignant. It was, in many ways, a bridge—between cultures, languages, and musical styles.
Uma Pocha’s voice invited listeners to experience Bombay’s charm, to taste its idlis and samosas, to embrace its crowded streets and its endless possibilities. And for a city that was always in motion, the song became an anthem—a love letter to its vibrant spirit.
More than five decades later, Bombay Meri Hai remains a beloved classic. It’s a time capsule, preserving the essence of a city that was messy, magnificent, and full of life. For Mina Kava and The Music Makers, it was a milestone that not only brought commercial success but also laid the foundation for what would later be called Indo-pop.
Mina Kava in 1996
Whether you’re strolling through Colaba or stuck in a sea of traffic, the lyrics—“Bombay meri hai!”—still feel like a joyous reminder of what makes the city special. It’s an ode to a place that’s more than just a location. It’s a feeling, a rhythm, and a way of life that keeps pulling people back, just like the song itself.
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